The incidence and subsequent recovery from morbidity in newly received feedlot cattle are important concerns to cattle feeders. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most economically important disease affecting feedlot cattle causing approximately 75% of morbidity and over 50% of mortality. Although mortality is a primary concern, morbidity from BRD can be of equal or greater importance. Steers treated for BRD had lower final BW, ADG, and carcass weights and had a greater percentage of carcasses that graded USDA Standard. Typically, vaccinations and antibiotics are techniques used to control BRD morbidity. The potential exists that other techniques improve feedlot cattle health. For example, a relationship seems to exist between vitamin E status, stress, and immune response.

 

In Experiment 1, 120 steers were shipped 1,014 km and assigned to diets containing 285, 570, or 1,140 IU/day during a 28 day receiving period. In Experiment 2, 200 beef heifers were shipped 1348 km and started on similar receiving diets. In Experiment 1, vitamin E did not affect ADG, DMI, or gain:feed during the receiving period. No effects were noted for percentage of morbidity, however, cattle receiving 1,140 IU/d had a numerically lower incidence of retreatment. In Experiment 2, ADG and DMI did not differ among treatments but gain:feed decreased linearly for day 0 to 28. No effects on percentage morbidity were noted. No differences in ADG, gain:feed, or DMI were detected during subsequent finishing periods.

The receiving data suggest that concentrations of 285-570 IU vitamin E/animal daily may be adequate in receiving diets.

 

The receiving data suggest that concentrations of 285-570 IU vitamin E/animal daily may be adequate in receiving diets.